Batman Giant #4 Review

Writers: Mark Russell, Steve Orlando, Scott Snyder, Greg Rucka and Tim Steeley / Artists: Ryan Benjamin, Tom Lyle, Greg Capullo, JH Williams III, and Javier Fernandez / DC Comics To paraphrase Killmonger: When they said “Giant” they meant that shit. This comic was huge. I was annoyed by one story that I’m pretty sure is just a reprint of a “Court of Owls” issue. I got three pages in and very slowly started squinting like Fry, “I feel like I’ve been here before.” Then there was a Nightwing story with Raptor. “Ok, I know for a fact that I’ve been here before.” Turns out all but the first story are reprints. Today, I’d like to focus on the All Star of my favorite stories and the revelation I had. But first, a quick preview.

The first story is classic Batman adventure by Mark Russell called “Concrete Jungle.” I don’t know why I stay sleeping on Mark Russell, but the man’s a master storyteller. A criminal with incriminating information on a bunch of high-level mob bosses need to be protected and transported so he can testify. The is a job for the Gotham City Police Department! Kidding, of course. “Batman, handle!” The banter between Batman and Nightwing here was some of the most delightful. Also, after re-reading Tom King’s run that was very fond of beating the Bat to a pulp, it was nice to see the Batman of my childhood. Three steps ahead always. Harley Quinn is handled well, too. Russell balanced her crazy and psychiatric background well in just a few panels. Honestly, the enti…